Zindage Na Milege Dobara ~ Jee Le Zara

Our version of living and a break from the routine designed by the divine.

Life is what happens to us when we are busy making other plans. If life happens per our plan good, but if it does not, Let’s Live.

The book release of Wallet, had to be in Chennai on the 14th of March. As Geeta being a Shiva devotee and wanting to visit South Indian temple's asked her if she could come down to Chennai during that weekend. Had not expected the weekend meet to turn into a week-long memories visiting and driving through 5 to 6 districts in and around Chennai courtesy Cynthia and Ramesh. We drove around 1,100 kms. Cannot Thank them enough for an awesome week filled with routine, discipline and divine blessings. Plan to attend the weekend seminar brought us together contributing to planning, logistics, car and driving .

Geeta had already covered Rameshwaram and Kedarnath. Thinking of what to cover, we decided to focus on the Panchubootha temples.

As per target though I couldn't join, the Trio started around 4pm from Royapuram evoking "Ganpati Bappa Mourya"

Our constant companion right from the first break was the South Indian Filter coffee.

They reached Kalahasthi in Andra Pradesh on 14th night. Though they planned to visit the Vayu Lingam on 15th morning, they were fortunate to get Darshan on 14th evening. Thus began the journey keeping us on or infact ahead of schedule. Stay was at Hotel KCR Grand. Air – Srikalahasteeswara Temple night view:

Situated in Srikalahasti, this temple represents Vayu (Air). The flame in the sanctum is said to flicker constantly despite no visible breeze, symbolizing the invisible yet vital presence of air. Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara is associated with breath and life force (prana). The temple is also famous for Rahu-Ketu dosha rituals. Spiritually, it emphasizes the unseen forces that sustain existence. Devotees seek liberation from karmic obstacles and alignment with the vital energy that flows through all living beings.

Next day morning they set out to Kanchipuram. Had dharshan of Earth – Ekambareswarar Temple.

Situated in Kanchipuram, this temple represents Prithvi (Earth). Lord Shiva is worshipped as Ekambareswarar, associated with stability and grounding. A legendary mango tree within the temple complex, believed to be over 3,000 years old, symbolizes fertility and continuity. According to tradition, Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here using a sand lingam, emphasizing devotion rooted in nature. The temple reflects the nurturing, patient quality of earth. Devotees seek blessings for prosperity, stability, and harmonious family life, aligning themselves with the sustaining power of nature.

Then the Trio visited “Lizard Temple” in Kanchipuram also called the Varadaraja Perumal Temple. It is famous for its sacred golden and silver lizard sculptures on the temple ceiling. Devotees believe that touching these relieves doshas, especially those linked to accidentally harming a lizard, and brings health and prosperity. According to legend, two sages’ disciples were cursed to become lizards and were later freed here through divine grace. Thus, the temple symbolizes forgiveness, purification, and release from past karmic effects, making it a unique blend of faith, ritual, and spiritual reassurance.

As I was to join them at Vellore that evening, and distance from Chennai to Vellore was further from Kanchipuram they spend some time doing Kanchipuram saree shopping as I got from Chennai to Vellore by bus.

We checked into hotel Arihanth Inn near Chennai Silks one kilometer away from Vellore fort.

Met Geeta here and spend time exchanging news, savory, gifts, dresses, hugs 🫂 🤗 and cheers, had our fashion shows and photoshoots.

A beautiful work done by Bhabhi..a lovely gift.

Cynthia didn't miss her Sunday mass.

We went to visit Vellore Golden temple.

The walk to reach the main diety was star shaped, either spiritual messages on both sides, the ' Gnana Gita' or spiritual messages by Sri Sakthi Amma

The Golden temple is also called the 'Goddess Mahalakshmi Temple' or 'Lakshmi Narayani 'temple. Located within the Sripuram complex, the temple is famous for its stunning gold-covered architecture, symbolizing purity and divine abundance. Devotees walk along a star-shaped pathway that encourages reflection and devotion. The temple promotes spiritual values, charity, and inner peace, attracting visitors from across India and the world. It stands as a blend of devotion, discipline, and architectural brilliance. Sri Sakthi Amma is the spiritual leader and founder of the Sripuram spiritual park where the temple is located. Devotees regard him as a divine embodiment of Goddess Mahalakshmi (Lakshmi Narayani), which is why he is affectionately called “Amma.” His teachings focus on universal love, service (seva), compassion, and spiritual growth beyond religious boundaries. He established the temple to promote peace, charity, and inner transformation among people from all walks of life.

Next day 16th morning we set out for the Fire – Arunachaleswarar Temple, had breakfast in a very familiar hotel. Forgot once again to note the name. Pongal was too filling.

Had the Girivallam Darshan. Couldn't walk around it as it was too hot.

Located in Tiruvannamalai, this temple represents Agni (Fire). Lord Shiva is worshipped as Arunachaleswarar, symbolizing the cosmic flame of consciousness. The sacred hill itself is considered a manifestation of Shiva. The temple’s significance is deeply tied to the Karthigai Deepam festival, where a massive flame is lit atop the hill, visible for miles. Spiritually, it represents the burning away of ego and ignorance. Pilgrims perform girivalam (circumambulation of the hill), believing it purifies the mind and leads toward inner illumination and self-realization.

Our legs were literally burnt as we had kept our chappals in the car parked at the North entrance from which exit was prohibited.

We wanted to visit Ramana Maharshi Ashram but unfortunately it was closed. We set forward our journey to Trichy rather than waiting for the Ashram to open. Had a view from out. Thought of visiting the Ammal temple as it was first but that too was closed and would open late that day, which meant we were to visit the next of the Panchubootha the same day.

Water – Jambukeswarar Temple

It was Pradosham and there were lot of Pujas at different entrance and we had yummy Prasad too.

Located in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), this temple represents Apas (Water). The Shiva lingam here is constantly associated with an underground water stream, symbolizing life’s fluidity. Uniquely, the priest performs worship dressed as a woman, honoring the legend of Goddess Parvati’s penance. The temple embodies calmness, adaptability, and emotional depth. Water here signifies purification and inner clarity. Devotees come seeking peace of mind and relief from emotional burdens, reflecting the gentle yet powerful nature of water as a sustaining and cleansing force.

The sunset view was beautiful and we had a competition on who would click the best photograph.

Though it was past evening we visited The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple one of the largest and most revered temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. Located on the island of Srirangam between the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam, it is the foremost of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism. The temple is renowned for its massive gopurams, intricate architecture, and vibrant rituals. It symbolizes devotion, spiritual grandeur, and centuries of cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims from across India and the world.

Pomp and Pageantry are the order of the day in this favorite abode of Lord Vishnu who reclines here in divine repose. Spanning an area of 156 acres, this temple takes the pride of place as the largest temple in the country.

The diety here is similar to Padmanabhaswami at Trivandrum, but we can see it in full, while in Trivandrum it's split into three.

There are various enclosures , people reside within . Temple is filled with various Mandapams, beautiful pillars, museums, granary to store called Kottaram.

We had so many variety prasadams from these temples like sweet and non sweet Pongal that we skipped our dinner.

Oh yes we had the yummy Pootharekulu, a traditional delicacy made from ultra-thin rice starch sheets filled with powdered sugar, ghee, and sometimes dry fruits. Known as “paper sweet,” it is light, crispy, and melts in the mouth. Originating from the village of Atreyapuram, it reflects the region’s rich culinary craftsmanship and festive traditions.

The night view from our room of Ganapathi temple was irresistable

We got up early next morning and reached there by 6 am.

After our Darshan, we bid goodbye to Trichy

Had yummy breakfast

And reached Tanjavoor...

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century. Dedicated to Shiva, it is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple is famous for its massive vimana (tower), intricate carvings, and a giant Nandi statue. Constructed entirely of granite, it reflects the engineering brilliance and artistic excellence of the Chola dynasty, symbolizing devotion, power, and cultural grandeur.

Gopuram of the temple is the mystery.

We visited Tanjavoor museum.

Which provided insights about Natraja and Chidambaram

There were various halls to see in the museum

Enroute we took break by a river side, which had a temple

Finally we reached Space – Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Located in Chidambaram, this temple represents Akasha (Space). Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Unlike other temples, the divine is also represented as empty space—Chidambara Rahasyam—symbolizing the formless absolute. This reflects the idea that ultimate reality is beyond physical form.

The South gate where we also have the annadhanam counter.

The temple merges art, philosophy, and spirituality, portraying creation as a cosmic dance.

Devotees experience a sense of vastness and inner stillness, recognizing space as the container of all existence and consciousness itself.

The pond and Aarthi here is mesmerizing.

Towards the north gate we have 9 lingas of Shiva representing Shiva and navagrahas.

We visited and went around the temple multiple times.

The night view was mesmerizing.

As we returned the next morning we visited Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.

Pichavaram is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India, located between the Vellar and Coleroon rivers. It is known for its dense network of waterways, where visitors can explore by boat through narrow channels surrounded by lush green mangroves. The forest is rich in biodiversity, supporting various species of birds, fish, and marine life. It offers a serene and unique experience, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and those traveling near Chidambaram. Boat ride there was amazing..

Return drive was via Pondicherry, we visited Mothers Ashram.

Had yummylunch at Karupatti coffee Halwa shop. Tried various Halwas.

Walked through Pondicherry Beach.

The music in the car turned to movie songs from bajans.

Reached Mahabalipuram dumping the car with shopping and luggage.

Went to the beach and stay was close to it.

Had dinner from roof top view...

And as we concluded there were Fire works in the background. Like Rabh Ne Bhana De Jodhi...but unplanned.

This was divine grace. Wishing and praying 🙏

The view next morning was beautiful as we bid goodbye 👋 to an amazing week of travell amidst cooking cylinder shortages, bombardment in middle east, family and work waiting